Is Houston or North Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Reading is safer than Houston (Safety Score 93/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 91% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 140.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
North Reading, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | North Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 471.8 | +4,969.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 66.5 | +1,081.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 6.1 | +67.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 6.1 | +268.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 54.4 | +732.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 405.3 | +3,888.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 48.4 | +596.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 338.8 | +2,606.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 18.2 | +684.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or North Reading safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 91% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while North Reading has 66.5. North Reading has lower violent crime.
About Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.
About North Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 per 100,000 residents.